In the summer 2013 issue of YALS, Rachel McDonald and Jackie Parker provide an overview of what transmedia is, how to evaluate transmedia titles, and what teens have to say about the varieties of transmedia. The following is a list of transmedia titles you and the teens you work with might want to check out.

Web-based Transmedia:
Most of us are fairly familiar with web-based transmedia through popular series like Skeleton Creek. This may be the most accessible form of transmedia, as many teens are likely to have Internet access in multiple places.

Cathy’s Book
Originally published in 2006, Cathy’s Book contains an evidence packet filled with letters, phone numbers, pictures, and birth certificates, as well as doodles and notes written by Cathy in the page margins. This is one of the first examples of a young adult book incorporating alternative reality game elements. Over 1000 readers have discussed their theories online at www.cathysbook.com about where Cathy ends up after the book, where Victor is, whether Cathy’s father is dead or alive, etc. In 2010, Cathy’s Book was revamped and released as an app for the iPod touch and iPhone.Continue reading →